Macdonald Scores Illegal Immigration

Colonial Secretary Malcolm MacDonald told the House of Commons yesterday that the Government was dealing with a “large scale attempt to flout the law” on immigration to Palestine. He charged the people responsible for the illegal immigration traffic with “exploiting the misery of unhappy refugees.” Mr. MacDonald’s statement was made in reply to strong condemnation of the Palestine immigration ordinance by Laborite Col. Josiah Wedgwood, who demanded discussion of the ordinance by the House.

“I wish I could respond to Wedgwood’s appeal for humanity,” Mr. MacDonald declared, “but I cannot do it. We cannot allow this immigration which would create chaos and increase bloodshed, violence, misunderstanding and hatred in the country.” He said the House was deeply concerned over persecution of Jews and was anxious to help to the maximum. However, he added, there had to be a sense of proportion with regard to Palestine since it could not solve the whole Jewish problem.